Bond Is Set for Umpire Attacker

A judge set bond at $250,000 on Thursday for the man who attacked an umpire during a Chicago White Sox game.

Eric Dybas of Bolingbrook, Ill., was charged with one count of felony aggravated battery and one count of misdemeanor criminal trespass. If convicted, he could be sentenced to up to five years in prison.

Dybas, 24, came out of the stands and grabbed first base umpire Laz Diaz around the legs during Tuesday night’s game between the White Sox and Kansas City Royals.

Dybas appeared in court with his lawyer. Cook County Judge Nicholas Ford called Dybas’ actions disturbing and said nobody should be subjected to violent acts at a ballpark.

“That place was filled with people. Anything could have happened,” Ford said. “Somebody has to say no to this conduct, and it’s going to be me.”

Dybas was the fourth fan to run onto the field that night. The other three did not attack anyone and were charged with misdemeanor trespassing.

Assistant State’s Atty. Lorraine Scaduto said Dybas told police he saw two people enter the field before him. “He wanted to one-up them and run onto the field and do something more outrageous.”

Defense attorney Frank Kostouros said his client has an alcohol problem, and that his behavior was a result of that. The lawyer said Dybas was drinking at a Cub game earlier before going to the White Sox game.

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The Arizona Diamondbacks won’t know until at least Saturday whether Randy Johnson will be able to make his next scheduled start.

He was supposed to pitch Wednesday night against Colorado, but was sidelined with swelling under his right kneecap. The problem first bothered him after his start last Friday night, then flared up again after his regular bullpen session Monday.